Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another delightful delve into the wondrous history of the tutu! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado, back with another exciting journey through time.
Today, we're zipping back to 1967, a year positively buzzing with energy, and just as the summer winds down, a very special date. Get your diaries out, because today, August 29th, 1967, we are travelling to London, the capital of the UK and, of course, the centre of the dance universe. It's a bustling city brimming with excitement, just like a tutu! I am positively giddy with anticipation to discover the latest ballet trends of the time.
Trains are always the chicest way to travel, and believe me, I've tried them all! The journey from my humble abode in Derbyshire to London is a pure joy. A whirlwind of fascinating faces, glimpses into bustling market stalls, and endless cups of steaming hot tea, perfectly sipped as I peruse the newest Vogue!
1967: The Swinging Sixties and Tutus with a Twist!
Fashion in 1967 is bright, bold, and fun, a mirror reflecting the youthful spirit of the decade. Think vibrant colours, daring designs, and miniskirts that have the world talking!
Our tutu scene, of course, is a delight in itself! Ballet, you see, is still very much grounded in tradition, but there's a noticeable change in the air, a sense of experimentation, almost as if someone has injected the ballets with a good dose of bubbly!
In 1967, the Romantic tutu, with its delicate tulle layers, still reigns supreme, but the trendsetters are getting playful. The tutu starts to break away from its traditional, knee-length design, reaching new heights - or should I say new lengths? A hint of a cheeky mini-tutu even starts to emerge, hinting at the shorter styles to come!
Just think: while dancers glide and pirouette in their gorgeous classical costumes, we're seeing the rise of "new wave" ballets that experiment with both design and dance styles, pushing boundaries in an exhilarating way! And let’s not forget, a daring dash of colour, inspired by fashion trends, starts to inject life into traditional palettes.
But what was actually on at the theatre? What kind of dance was filling these very important theatres?
Well, the London theatres are jam packed with talent this year. The Royal Ballet are showing us the iconic* Swan Lake. It’s been the jewel in the crown since 1895 and in 1967 is starring *Margot Fonteyn, the ‘divine Marguerite’, who can stop you in your tracks just by holding a pose. The sheer power and control she exhibits on the stage is something to behold, absolutely mesmerizing!
We also see a ballet with a cheeky title - “High Society” at the Royal Opera House with a delightful score by Cole Porter. The audience is captivated by the dancing divas and gentlemen who gracefully capture the era's fun, glamorous side. Oh, and darling, a good dose of sparkle is absolutely obligatory, naturally!
The perfect pink tutu for my trip!
Speaking of sparkle, my lovely little pink tutu, perfect for today's historical dance exploration! It is just so very me it had to be a pink tulle number! You see, this tutu is like my secret weapon; its vibrant hues brighten every day, whether it's exploring history, cheering on performers, or simply savouring a good cuppa. The magic it brings with it is almost tangible.
After my evening at the Royal Ballet, I'm headed for Harrods, of course! Their shoe department is truly magnificent. A glimpse of it would turn any dancer's head!
This is how you travel through time with a tutu. Don't be afraid to wear yours.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into ballet history! Join me again next Tuesday, when we will travel back to the captivating world of tutus once again, sharing another remarkable historical date, a new exciting adventure, and maybe, just maybe, a few inspiring ideas for your own tutus!
Until then, wear a tutu, dance with joy, and let the world know that it's never too late to twirl and make life a little more glamorous!
Much love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
